Will Rhymes hits walk off winner; Hens win Mother's Day matinee!

On a sunny Mother's Day, the Mud Hens took a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Although Hens closer Enrique Gonzalez blew a save opportunity when he gave up a two run home run in the top of the ninth, Toledo did not give up. The Hens battled right back and ultimately Will Rhymes hit a walk off double to give Toledo a 4-3 victory.

Argenis Diaz got the action started for the Hens in the second when he ripped a two run single to right field.

Diaz had an opportunity to add to the Hens lead in the fourth when he came up to bat with the bases loaded. Unfortunately, Diaz grounded into an inning ending double play.

Local product and Hens starting pitcher, LHP Duane Below had a commanding beginning of the game. Below set down the first fourteen batters he faced.

Below had great stuff throughout the first seven innings surrendering merely a hit. However, in the eighth, Charlotte's Lastings Milledge drove a solo home run over the left field wall. Below struck out eleven batters in total during his eight innings of work.

The Hens had an opportunity to add some insurance runs in the eighth. Once again, Toledo loaded the bases. However, the Hens were not able to push across the much needed support.

Hens closer Enrique Gonzalez came in the ninth to try to save the game. After walking a batter, Gonzalez surrendered a two run homer to give the Knights the lead.

The Hens returned the favor in the bottom of the ninth. Diaz lined a double to start the inning off. Then, pinch hitter Timo Perez moved Diaz along to third. Andy Dirks hit the game tying single. Then Rhymes, with a runner on and one out, came up to bat. Rhymes smacked a double to deep right center and Dirks was able to score all the way from first. The Hens won in walk off fashion 4-3.

The Mud Hens begin a four game series Monday against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30.

Game Notes

• Many different Mud Hens and Knights swung pink colored bats and wore pink colored cleats in honor of Mother's Day.
• First pitch temperature was 63 degrees. The weather was also sunny and clear.
• Charlotte Knights manager Joe McEwing was ejected in the eighth inning for arguing balls and strikes.
• There were seventeen combined strikeouts in the game.
• Hens pitchers have given up just four hits in the last two games.

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